Michael Joseph Barreda, 72, Willow Springs, Missouri, passed away October 31, 2024.
He was born September 8, 1952, at Brownsville, Texas. He was a devoted husband to Katie Barreda, and a loving father to Michael, Holly, Michelle, Annie, and William. Mike grew up near Los Angeles where he developed a love for surfing. Every morning at 6:00 a.m. he would sneak out in his dad’s truck to go surf his favorite spot, Huntington Beach. But, every day at 8:00 a.m., he would have his dad’s truck parked in the exact same spot he found it. In his young adult life, Mike faced the challenges of alcohol addiction, a struggle that deeply impacted him. Through the support of Alcoholics Anonymous, he found a path to sobriety and rediscovered his connection to God, which became a guiding force in his life. Mike was hard-working and dedicated, spending thirty-five years as an accountant for his business. Despite his many responsibilities, he always made time for his family and his passions. Though he often shied away from the spotlight, his long years of fatherly love and support deserve to be celebrated. He was a man of integrity, kindness, and generosity, leaving a lasting impact on everyone who knew him. A passionate sports fan, Mike enjoyed watching his favorite Los Angeles and Missouri teams, often spending weekends at games or cheering from home with the volume cranked up to ear-bleeding levels. His love for football created cherished memories with his children, a legacy that will forever remain in their hearts. Mike never met a speed limit that he couldn’t or wouldn’t break, often to the frustration of his wife and kids.
He is survived by his wife, Katie; children, John, Michael, Holly, Annie, and William; grandchildren, Andrew, Jeffery, Alyssa, Diana, Victoria, Salim, Mya, Hayden, Devin, and Emma; several great-grandchildren; siblings, Nancy and Pam; as well as many friends and extended family members who will miss him dearly.
He was preceded in death by his daughter, Michelle, sisters, Julie and Margie, and brothers, Joe and Tony.
Arrangements under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Graveside services for Patricia (Pat) A. Herminghouse, 84, Pittsford Town, New York, will be held at 2:00 p.m., Friday, November 8, 2024, at Barnett Cemetery, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Patricia (Pat) A. Herminghouse, daughter of the late James and Helen Burke, was born in Chicago Illinois on March 13th, 1940. She entered into eternal rest on October 29th, 2024 at the age of eighty-four years. Pat grew up in the suburbs of Chicago IL, and went on to attend Knox College in Galesburg, IL, where she graduated in 1962 with a Bachelor of Arts in mathematics as well as modern languages. During her time at Knox, she also spent time abroad studying mathematics and German at the University of Freiberg. Following her graduation from Knox College, she traveled to the University of Graz, Austria as a Fulbright Scholar to continue her German studies between 1962 and 1963. In 1963, she returned to the United States to attend Washington University in St. Louis where she went on to earn a Master of Arts and subsequently a PhD in German Studies in 1968. After earning her Doctorate, she embarked on a long and distinguished teaching career starting as an Instructor at Fontbonne College, then as an Assistant Professor at the University of Missouri – St. Louis, an Associate Professor at Washington University, and finally a full Professor at the University of Rochester where she was the Chair of the Department of Foreign Languages, Literature, and Linguistics, ultimately retiring with the title of Karl F. and Bertha A. Fuchs Professor Emerita of German Studies. Outside of her teaching work, she was an accomplished academic author and editor of numerous scholarly works focused on German literature, identity, German immigrants in America, and feminist writers. She had a central role in founding Women in German, promoting feminist scholarship of German literature and culture internationally, and served as a President of the German Studies Association. She received the Susan B. Anthony Lifetime Achievement Award in recognition of her personal and professional accomplishments, commitment to equity, and standing as a role model for other women. Pat met her husband Don in Seville, Spain on New Year’s Eve in 1960 while she was studying abroad and he was serving in the US Navy. They wed in 1964, spending nearly fifty-nine loving years of marriage together. Pat and Don both loved to travel the world, visiting over forty countries and all seven continents, as well as exploring widely throughout the United States. With all of her experiences of the variety that the world had to offer, Pat enjoyed a wide variety of international cuisines and became an accomplished cook herself. She and Don also used their travels together to explore their shared interest in researching and documenting their families’ genealogy. Pat was a passionate devotee of the arts, volunteering as a docent at Rochester’s Memorial Art Gallery and attending every symphony, opera, theater performance, and lecture that she could manage to find time for. She was a voracious reader and constantly engaged with a wide variety of news, cultural, and other publications.
Pat is survived by her son, Justin Herminghouse, of Garrison, NY, her daughter, Shauna Herminghouse of Wellington, NZ, her sisters Kathleen Edwards, of Springfield, IL, and Mary Sue Burke of Downers Grove, IL, and her brother James Burke of Bellevue, IA.
She is preceded in death by her parents and her husband, Donald Herminghouse.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations in Pat’s memory to Rochester’s Memorial Art Gallery, 500 University Avenue, Rochester, NY 14607 or WXXI Public Broadcasting Council, https://www.wxxi.org/support/; two organizations whose contributions in the community Pat cared deeply about.
James Donald Hicks, 79, West Plains, Missouri, passed away at 12:49 a.m., Sunday, October 27, 2024, at Ozarks Healthcare.
He was born March 2, 1945, at Salina, Kansas, to Homer Hicks, Sr. and Imogene Barton Hicks. In 1965 he was married at West Plains, to Linda Tibbit, who preceded him in death on January 20, 1986. He worked as a welding instructor. Mr. Hicks was a veteran, having served with the United States Army. He enjoyed leather making, building race cars and especially enjoyed spending time with his grandson.
He is survived by three children, Jacinda Hyatt and husband, Martin, Brian Hicks and wife, Michelle and Rebekah Jones and husband, James; six grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.
His parents and wife preceded him in death.
Arrangements under the direction ofRobertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Funeral services for Rebecca Ann (Bruner) Barnett, 68, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 10:00 a.m., Saturday, November 2, 2024, in the Rose Chapel at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Mrs. Barnett passed away October 24, 2024, at Ozarks Medical Center. She was born September 16, 1956 at Christa Hogan Hospital in West Plains, Missouri, to Gerald and Darlene Bruner. She passed away October 24, 2024 at Ozarks Healthcare in West Plains.
While she spent most of her life in West Plains, Becky did live a few other places that she felt were home also: Winona, Missouri, Noel Missouri, Friona Texas, and Pineville, Missouri. In 2001 she, along with her two sons, moved back to West Plains. On June 18, 2005 she was married to Randall Dale Barnett. They lived in Mountain View, Missouri until the passing of her parents. Then they moved into her family home in West Plains. During her working life she was an EMT for Howell County. Later on, as a stay at home mom she got her certification to be a preschool teacher for Pleasant Grove Christian Academy in Jane, Missouri. Mrs. Barnett was very active in church as well as coaching for Special Olympics for many years. She always went out of her way to help and care for others no matter what need they had. She was very outspoken about her beliefs and felt no shame in telling others about her Savior, Jesus Christ.
She is survived by her husband Randy Barnett of West Plains; Two cousins, who were the siblings she never had, Mark Napier and wife, Marijo, of Grove, Oklahoma and Shelley Napier of Springfield, Missouri; two sons from previous marriages, Michael (Ledbetter) Williams of Birch Tree, Missouri and Justin (Williams) Barnett and wife, Maddlyn of Walnut Ridge, Arkansas; the children that she gained through those marriages, Sunshine Ledbetter of Twin Bridges, Missouri, Mike Williams and wife, Tina of Neosho, Missouri, Pamela Still and husband Roy, of Anderson Missouri; one cousin whom she took into her family as her own, Robyn Hodde of West Plains, Missouri; her grandchildren, who were her pride and joy: From Justin (Zari, Harlin, and Caleb), Sunshine (Sasha, Cheyenne, and Skyler), Mike (Shiela, Nicholas, Lakota, and Aubrey), Pam (Travis, Nathan, Alaina, and Ashlyn), and Robyn (Emma); three bonus grandchildren from her marriage to Randy; eleven great-grandchildren; and many more family and friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Gerald and Darlene Bruner, Aunt and Uncle, Maxine and Clyde Napier, parents-in-law, Luther and Mary Barnett, sister-in-law, Beverly Jones and one special grandson, Jackson Hodde.
Visitation services will be held from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m., Friday, at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. Burial will be in Oak Lawn Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to North American Missions Board or the Gideon Bible Society and may be left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 West Main, West Plains, MO 65775.
Funeral services for Jaime Taber Ball, 43, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 10:00 a.m., Wednesday, October 30, 2024, in the Rose Chapel at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Mrs. Ball passed away at 8:45 a.m., Friday, October 25, 2024, at her home.
She was born March 11, 1981, at Birmingham, Alabama. Jaime was born to do two things in life; teaching was a passion she held from the age of five when she lined up her stuffed animals in front of her “teacher’s desk” and educated them to the rules of her classroom. Teaching was her passion, but her family was her life. No mother on earth loved her children and husband more than Jaime. She married the love of her life, Brandon, and never took for granted how blessed their relationship was. She absolutely lived for her three boys, Dalton, Peyton and Weston. She continued to brag on them so much they had to finally forbid her to put anymore posts about them on Facebook. Then when her boys were 20, 17 and 14, while in the middle of finishing her master’s degree along came Annaston, a true little blessing. She said just the week before she passed away, “I am happier than I have ever been in my life, and the most blessed person on the planet.” Jaime’s deep faith in God guided every decision she made and she was a living example of everything good. Her life was so full and all of us left behind will try to live up to half of the example of unconditional love and dedication to family she portrayed every single day.
She is survived by her husband, Brandon; three sons, Dalton, Peyton and Weston; daughter, Annaston; and her mother, Joyce Taber.
Her father, Doug Taber, preceded her in death.
As much as she loved us all, our love for her is boundless and will remain so forever.
Burial will be in Barnett Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Jaime Ball Memorial Scholarship fund and may be left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 West Main, West Plains, MO 65775 or any West Plains Bank & Trust Company location. Honoring Jaime’s legacy through education, this scholarship will support students who embody Jaime’s values, empowering them to pursue their dreams through education.
Funeral services for Della Mae Foster, 100, Bakersfield, Missouri, will be held at 2:00 p.m., Saturday, October 26, 2024, at Bakersfield Full Gospel Church, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Mrs. Foster passed away Tuesday, October 22, 2024, at her home.
She was born June 15, 1924, at Vidette, Arkansas, to Charley Bales and Pearl Branch Bales. Della attended school at Pickren Hall. On December 24, 1940, she was married at Vidette, Arkansas, to Lloyd Vernon Foster, who preceded her in death on August 31, 2009. Della Mae was a hardworking lady with many talents, and she fiercely loved her family. She worked alongside her husband farming and providing for the family. In 1963 she and Vernon along with their son and son-in-law opened Foster & Webb Feed Store in Bakersfield, Missouri, where she worked until 1978. In 1990, Vernon had a debilitating stroke, and she faithfully cared for him until he passed away in 2009. She was a gardener, homemaker, seamstress, baker, and fantastic cook. She kept her family spoiled by making the best chocolate gravy, chocolate rolls, fried potatoes, and pies. She was always happy when her family was gathered in her home. She diligently kept in touch with her family who lived far away. Della was a devoted Christian who walked to church with her children when they were little and made sure they knew Jesus Christ. Mrs. Foster was a faithful member of Bakersfield Full Gospel Church.
She is survived by two children, Pansy Webb and husband, Jerry, Bakersfield, Missouri and Ken Foster and wife Jo Ann, Caulfield, Missouri; five grandchildren, Charlotte Walker and husband, Mark, Bakersfield, Missouri, Kenneth Don Foster and wife, Becky, Caulfield, Missouri, Lisa Lester and husband, David, Bakersfield, Missouri, Doug Foster, Bakersfield, Missouri and Ron Foster and wife, Shasta, Bakersfield, Missouri; thirteen great-grandchildren; nine great-great-grandchildren; two half-brothers, Dewayne Bales and wife, Debbie and Jerry Pat Bales, both of Bakersfield, Missouri; several nieces and nephews; and special caregivers, Rose Murphy and Shawn Kimbrough.
Her parents, husband, two sisters, Lillian Evans and Clara Collins, two brothers, Roscoe Bales and Joe Bill Bales, one half-sister, Betty Bales and one granddaughter-in-law, Sandra Foster, preceded her in death.
Visitation services will be held from 1:00 until 2:00 p.m., Saturday, at Bakersfield Full Gospel Church. Mrs. Foster will lie in state from 5:00 until 9:00 p.m., Friday, at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. Burial will be in Fore Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Fore Cemetery and may be left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 West Main, West Plains, MO 65775.
The family would like to give a special thank you to the staff of Hospice Compassus for their loving care and support.
Alice Esther Thompson, 73, West Plains, Missouri, passed away at 9:42 a.m., Sunday, October 20, 2024, at Brooke Haven Healthcare. Arrangements under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Marjorie Ann Allen, 86, Caulfield, Missouri, passed away at 4:45 a.m., Friday, October 18, 2024, at Missouri Baptist Medical Center, St. Louis, Missouri.
She was born April 18, 1938, at Virden, Illinois, to Holland Russell Hines and Violet Vadis Throne Hines. On August 14, 1956, she was married to Kenneth Vondell Allen, who preceded her in death on August 30, 2008. Marjorie enjoyed camping, gardening, cooking, baking, shopping, reading, traveling, vacationing and going to the movies. She was a mother to four children, a grandmother to ten grandchildren and twenty-five great-grandchildren. She loved her family and adored her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Marjorie was the oldest of eight children; she took care of her siblings after the passing of their parents. She was a mother to all.
She is survived by two children, Kevin Paul Allen and Darla Ann Towell and husband, Gary Wayne; bonus sons, Ricky Dean McKee and wife, Debbie and Scott Crafton; bonus daughter, Bonnie Helfer and husband, Mark; ten grandchildren, Bradley Allen and wife, Mary, Corey Allen, Karen von Wolfseck and husband, Karl, Chelsie Allen, Kelley McGowan and husband, Shaun, Holly Spencer and husband, Tommy, Mandi Collins and husband, Taylor, Alexandra Cope, Meghan and Michael; twenty-five great-grandchildren; three brothers, Buck Hines and wife, Rosie, Delbert Hines and wife, Brenda and Ronnie Hines and wife, Terry; two sisters, Evelyn Graham and husband, Frank and Delores Collins and husband, George; one sister-in-law, Julie Hines; and many nieces and nephews.
Her parents, husband, two sons, Randall Allen and Brian Allen and two brothers, Bill Hines and Keith Hines, preceded her in death.
Arrangements under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Funeral services for Floyd Lawann Earls, 58, Mountain View, Missouri, will be held at 2:00 p.m., Friday, October 25, 2024, at Faith Tabernacle, Rover, Missouri, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Mr. Earls passed away at 4:24 a.m., Friday, October 18, 2024, at Ozarks Healthcare.
He was born August 27, 1966, at West Plains, Missouri, to Gerald Dewayne and Shirley Mae VonAllmen Earls. On September 19, 1987, he was married at Willow Springs, Missouri, to Laurie Goodwin. Floyd was a loving husband, father, papa, and friend to all who knew him. He spent hours dedicated to pleasing his family with his goofy antics. He loved to laugh and was the life of the party at all family gatherings, church fellowships, or likely anyplace you could run into him. Floyd worked many years for Howell County Road and Bridge as a road grader operator and had a lot of special memories with his work family, and they all meant a lot to him. He later operated his own dozing business and was in his element while watching the landscape transform around him while dozing or grading. When he wasn’t at work, he loved lounging in his recliner, spending time outdoors, hunting, fishing, or grilling. His grandkids were his pride and joy, and he dedicated much time to spoiling them, cuddling them in his chair, and taking selfies and videos of them. Hilltop Holiness Church has a hole in their hearts with the absence of their beloved Sunday school teacher, deacon, song leader, sound man, and encourager. However, our loss is Heaven’s gain and Heaven is sounding sweeter every day. One day we will meet again. Floyd’s desire in this life was to make sure we all had the blessed hope of salvation and that you lived a life ready for Heaven. We are eternally thankful for the special memories each of us hold of him.
He is survived by his wife, Laurie, of the family home; three children, Ashley Pruett, Willow Springs, Missouri, Katrina Benefield and husband, Andrew, Willow Springs, Missouri, and Ethan Earls and wife, Kassidy, Peace Valley, Missouri; three grandchildren, Chloe Dawn, Axton Ryder, and Bonnie Mae; two grandchildren on the way, Barrett Lawann and Ridge Jameson; two brothers, Randy Earls and wife, Karen, Fouke, Arkansas, and Leland Earls and wife, Angie, Pomona, Missouri; one sister, Sheryl Webb and husband, Donnie, Willow Springs, Missouri; father-in-law, Hershell Lowe, Willow Springs, Missouri; and many nieces and nephews.
His parents, one brother, Leowen (Onie) Earls, one nephew, Dalton Earls, one great-niece, Brooklyn Lexlee, and mother-in-law, Jannes (Gigi) Lowe, preceded him in death.
Visitation will be from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., Thursday, in the Langston Street Chapel of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. Burial will be at Elk Creek Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Elk Creek Cemetery and may be left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 West Main, West Plains, MO 65775.
Funeral services for Leonard Stirber, 93, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 10:00 a.m., Monday, October 21, 2024, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Mr. Stirber passed away Wednesday, October 16, 2024, at Ozarks Medical Center.
He was born January 9, 1931, in Chicago, Illinois, to George Stirber and Barbara Miller Stirber. Mr. Stirber served his country in the United States Coast Guard for 7 years. Leonard enjoyed gardening, canning, bird watching and woodworking. He loved his animals. Mr. Stirber was a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church.
He is survived by four children, Jeanette (Kevin), Karen (John), Tim and Corinne; five grandchildren; Jerry Jr., Brandy, Tim, Diana and Matt; four great-grandchildren, David Jr., Brianna, Hunter and Emma; one brother, Ray; and many nieces and nephews.
His parents, wife, Elizabeth (Betty), one son, Leonard Michael Stirber, one brother, George (Bud) and two sisters, Margaret and Barbara (Cookie), preceded him in death.
Burial will be in Howell Memorial Park Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to SBCA and may be left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 West Main, West Plains, MO 65775.
Graveside services for Wesley Richard Tabor, 56, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 2:00 p.m., Friday, October 18, 2024, at Oak Lawn Cemetery, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Mr. Tabor passed away Tuesday, October 15, 2024, at NHC HealthCare.
He was born February 23, 1968, at West Plains, Missouri, to Lilburn Milford Tabor and Nellie Mae Hembrey Tabor. Wesley loved fishing, going to the race track, racing RC’s, going to cookouts and spending time with family and friends.
He is survived by one sister, Debbie Stiner and husband, Ralph, West Plains; two brothers, Roger Tabor, Kansas City, Missouri and Dean Tabor, Alton, Missouri; and several nieces and nephews.
His parents, bonus parents, Robert and Elsie Roe, one brother, Harold Tabor and one sister, Elizabeth Tabor, preceded him in death.
Memorial contributions may be made to American Diabetes Association and may be left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 West Main, West Plains, MO 65775.
Graveside services for Sharon Rhoads-Kelch, 81, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 2:00 p.m., Saturday, October 19, 2024, at Mt. Zion (South Fork) Cemetery.
Sharon passed away on October 9th, 2024 at 12:45am, at NHC HealthCare, West Plains, Missouri.
She was born February 16, 1943, to J. A. Rhoads and Sara Arvie McCarty- Rhoads at Christa Hogan Hospital, in West Plains, Missouri. Sharon was married to her late husband, George Michael Kelch, on August 1, 2002, in Eureka Springs, Arkansas. Mike passed away September 24, 2011. Sharon had another name to many as, “Nanny Shoo Shoo”. This is a name she has had since she was a little girl. Her brother, Jerry, couldn’t say her name when he was little, so he called her “shoo shoo” and it stuck from there. Sharon was a firecracker. Anyone that knew Nanny knows she did not have any filter. She was a loving, caring, sassy, free-spirited, strong willed, stubborn, little lady. She loved her family more than anything. She loved taking care of everyone and spoiling all the kids, even ones that weren’t hers. She was always at every event, every birthday party, ball game, pageants, and graduation; if she was able to go, she was there. She loved taking her great-great-grandson and great-great-nephews on lawn mower rides around the yard. She loved cooking and would cook anything anyone asked for, especially the kids. Some of Nanny’s specialty foods she loved to cook and the family loved to eat is her fried potatoes, potato patties, fried chicken, Prime Rib, Angel food cake, and potato candy. Don’t forget the Lime Pickles, great-grandson Hunter’s favorite. Nanny loved her iced caramel coffee’s and her grandson, Chase’s, fried fish. If she had either of those you know she was having a good day. Nanny loved her flowers and sharing the stories behind each one of them. She loved hosting get-togethers at her house, she especially loved the sound of all the kids playing and running around. She loved to play the card game “Head and Foot” and have the Chiefs football game playing in the background. Nanny also loved to watch her stories, “The Young and the Restless” and also loved to watch QVC, you never knew what kind of packages would be showing up. Anyone that knew Shoo Shoo, knew how much she loved fashion. She was always dressed up in the nicest clothes, not to mention her shoe addiction. She couldn’t just have one, she had to have multiple colors of each style. But she was always by far the best dressed wherever she went. She loved to get lunch and get her nails done with her great-granddaughter, Adrian, some kind of sparkly nail polish, of course. Nanny enjoyed going to church & living for the Lord, she wanted everyone to do the same so we can all be reunited again in heaven.
Sharon is proceeded in death by her parents, her husband, George Michael Kelch, one great-granddaughter, Baliee Blevins, her brother and sister-in-law, Jerry and Sue Rhoads, one nephew, Jerry Dawn Rhoads, one nephew-in-law,Dwayne Harris, one great-nephew, Jason Sherman and one great-great-nephew, Kooper Smith.
She is survived by one daughter, Madonna Tackitt and husband, Kevin, of West Plains; one son, James McCormack and significant other, Wendi Braden; her grandchildren, Chase Lawing and Jennipher Lawing, Chasity Upton and Chant Upton, Britney McCormack, Jared McCormack and wife, Keely, Jacelyn Shrable and husband, Noah, Hannah Braden, Kassie and Linden Blevins, Dwight and Lyndsay Tackitt; her great-grandchildren, Adrian and Logan Conyers, Hunter Lawing, Ethan and Callie Upton, Kaysen Beatty, Tai Blevins, Evan Blevins, Viviene Tackitt, River Tackitt, Rafe Tackitt, Kendra Tackitt, Megyn Poulette and husband Levi, Caden Upton, Sadie Upton, Lylah Shrable, Laynee Shrable, Jaysten McCormack, Harlie Cook; great-great-grandchildren, Bennett Conyers and Carter Poulette; nieces and nephews, Frankie Harris, Lisa Fountain, Doug Rhoads and wife, Gabby; great-nieces and great-nephews, Alex Smith and husband, Harley, Brynn Siklas and husband, Zach, Alyssa Perryman and husband, Jason, Shara Klem, Annie Briggs and husband, Briggs, Michael Rhoads and wife, Tania; great-great-nieces and nephews, Layne and Kash Smith, Easton and Wyatt Sherman, Charles Rhoads, Aurora Briggs; many other nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Arrangements under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Graveside services for Francine Annette Williams, 80, Malvern, Arkansas, formerly of Caulfield, Missouri, will be held at 10:00 a.m., Saturday, October 19, 2024, at White Oak Cemetery in Caulfied, Missouri, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Mrs. Williams passed away Wednesday, October 9, 2024, surrounded by her loving family.
She was born February 17, 1944, at Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. Francine graduated from Bakersfield High School in 1962 and later in life she looked forward to their yearly class reunions. On August 31, 1963, she married Willis Eugene Williams, the man she loved her entire life. She worked many years as head cook at Bakersfield school, sharing many laughs and memories in the kitchen. She was a mother to many, you’ve never been loved by anyone until you’ve been loved by Francine. She adored her children and grandchildren, teaching and demonstrating unwavering love, trust and faith in God. Mrs. Williams believed a relationship with Jesus begins and ends on your knees in prayer. For over 50 years, she and her best friends Sister Pat Ward and Sister Margaret Smith along with her sisters in-laws Mable Leonard and Martha Peters spent many hours praying for others where countless prayers were and still are being answered. She loved her family and always looked forward to her Sister’s Day, where she and her sisters would get together and have lunch at the Bakersfield Café. In her free time Francine loved to play Scrabble, dominos or puzzles with anyone who would join her. Francine was a woman of great faith and was a member of Temple of Jesus Name in Hot Springs, Arkansas, it wasn’t just a church but family.
Those who abide are her children, Angela Foster, Willis Williams, Jr. (Shana), Joe Williams (Amy), Amy Berg (John) and Michael Brakefield; grandchildren, Rachelle Williams (Quentin), Liza Williams, Audrey Williams (Austin), Veronica Sage Estlinbaum (Ash), Makayla Pearsall (Michael), Austin Pearsall, Dreydan Williams (Payton), Keegan Williams (Rebecca), Austin Alexander (Taylor), Noah Alexander, Tyler Berg and Steven Berg; great-grandchildren, Mylah, Millie, Maggie, Lizzie, Isaiah, and Paris; one brother, Darrell McFarland (Patsy); three sisters, Kay Grayham, Karen Skiver (Larry) and Kathy Lally (Terry); and many nieces and nephews that she loved dearly.
She has been reunited in Glory Land with her parents, Woodrow Wilson Smith and Dorothy Smith, her husband Willis Eugene Williams, her precious blue eyed daughter, Deborah Brakefield, two sisters, Wadyna Littlewood and Carla Smith-Lally, several sister -in-laws and brother-in-laws as well as some beloved nieces and nephews.
“Her children arise up, and call her blessed.” Proverbs 31:28
Visitation services will be held from 5:00 until 7:00 p.m., Friday, October 18, 2024 at the Langston Street Chapel of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. Memorial contributions may be made to White Oak Cemetery and may be left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 West Main, West Plains, MO 65775.
Graveside services for Valli Dawn Dalton, 51, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 2:00 p.m., Wednesday, October 16, 2024, at Baptist Hill Cemetery, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Valli passed away Saturday, October 5, 2024, at her home.
She was born April 24, 1973, at West Plains, Missouri, to Ronnie Newberry and Venita Sanders Isom. Valli was nicknamed “Ducky” by her sister. She was radiant and full of life, always finding humor in everything. If you were down and needed a pick me up, or up for whooping, whichever seemed fit, she was the one. She liked to be on the back of a Harley; she was a full throttle kind of gal. She was a devoted, loving momma bear to her children and any other children as well; she had so much love and energy for her children and the people that she loved. Valli would have gone to war for any of her friends or family or if need be, with them, if necessary. She was the most accepting person and accepted you exactly how you were. If there were more people who loved others as she, the world would be a better place.
She is survived by three children, Dylan Dalton, Jesse Dalton and Emma Stanley, all of West Plains; her granddaughter, Chloe Dalton (and her mother, Tiara Bayless); her father, Ronnie Newberry, West Plains; her mother, Venita Isom, West Plains; one sister, Fawn Sheriff and husband, Scott, West Plains; one brother, David Newberry, West Plains; her nieces and nephew, Bailey Russell, Audria Newberry, Kalie Cole and Lil Dave Newberry, all of West Plains; several great-nieces, great-nephews, aunts, uncles and cousins; and longtime friends, Tashia Moss (Martin), Heather Holmes (Holloway) and Jeanie Wilbanks (Smith).
Her husband, Dennis Dalton and grandparents, Florence and Johnnie Newberry and Nadean and Ed Sanders, preceded her in death.
Memorial contributions may be made to the family and may be left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 West Main, West Plains, MO 65775.
A celebration of life service for Frankie Lee Hogancamp, 74, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 2:00 p.m., Saturday, October 12, 2024, at the Langston Street Chapel of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Mrs. Hogancamp passed away Monday, October 7, 2024, at her home.
She was born June 8, 1950, at West Plains, Missouri, to Frank Eugene White and Georgia Marie Nunally White. Frankie was the middle child of ten children. On December 18, 1970, she was married at Topeka, Kansas, to David Aldrine, who preceded her in death on July 2, 1991; Danielle and Kristi were born from this union. On July 12, 1996, she was married at Harrison, Arkansas, to Chuck Hogancamp. Frankie worked as an administrative assistant in the school systems at West Plains, Reeds Spring and Independence, Missouri. She enjoyed sports, including softball, volleyball, bowling and square dancing. Frankie loved to travel and entertain; later in life she enjoyed playing Bunco with friends. Mrs. Hogancamp was a Christian and had a very strong faith in God. Everyone describes her as kind, loving, generous, loyal, a second mom and a wonderful employee.
She is survived by her husband, Chuck Hogancamp; two children, Danielle Cozort and husband, Tim and Kristi Stults and husband, Kevin; seven grandchildren, Madison Grant and husband, Carson, David Cozort, Wesley Aldrine and wife, Jessica, Kyle Stults and wife, Alicia, Hailey Cox and husband, Bryce, Luke Johnson and Hannah Johnson; three great-grandchildren, Harrison Grant, Gabriel Stults and Jameson Stults; three brothers, Paul White and wife, Debra, Mark White and wife, Sharon and Tony White and wife, Theresa; one sister, Mini White; and many nieces and nephews.
Her parents, first husband, two brothers, George and Fred White and three sisters, Julia White, Kittie Vaughn and Audrey Dingmon, preceded her in death.
Jessie M. (Lewis) Longcrier, 90, West Plains, Missouri, left this earth on October 6, 2024 at 12:45 p.m., at her home with her family by her side.
She was born November 29, 1933, at West Plains, Missouri, to Bess M. Boswell and Herschell O. Lewis. Jessie attended school in West Plains and later married John E. Keller from Maine. After his passing Jessie later moved to Nebraska where she met her second husband, Donald N. Longcrier. After his passing she moved to Illinois before coming back to West Plains. Jessie worked as a nurse, retiring after twenty-seven years, then worked part time driving semi trucks and government jobs with the Veterans Affairs. She loved sewing, gardening, fishing, feeding squirrels, puzzles and eating 3 Musketeer bars.
She is survived by her loving children, James (Kathryn) Keller, Braidwood, Illinois and Josette Keller of West Plains; her “adopted” child, William Judd, West Plains; six grandchildren, Charly White (Harold), Johnathon Keller and Matthew Gibbs, all of Nebraska, William Breedlove (Maggie), Toshia and Jesslyn of Missouri; twenty great-grandchildren; two sisters, Betty Taylor, Braidwood, Illinois and Dolly Veach, Eureka, Illinois; one brother, Bill Lewis, State of Iowa; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Her parents, husbands, two sisters, Ann Morgan and Norma Kincheloe, one brother, Herschell Lewis, one brother-in-law, Clyde (Red) Taylor and one sister-in-law, Delores Lewis, preceded her in death.
After a private family viewing cremation rites per Jessie’s wishes will be accorded. Her cremains will be buried next to her husband, Donald, at a later date. Memorial contributions may be made to the family and may be left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 West Main, West Plains, MO 65775.
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Kimber Lee Toner, aged 42, on October 1, 2024. Born on November 3, 1981, in Bountiful, Utah, Kimber radiated warmth, kindness, and a boundless love for life from the moment she entered this world. She was a light in the lives of all who knew her, touching hearts with her genuine spirit and her remarkable ability to make friends with ease. There was never a harsh word from her—she embodied compassion and understanding in everything she did.
Kimber cherished the simple joys of life, especially those spent with her beloved partner, Leo Santoro, whom she met after moving to Las Vegas, Nevada. Later, Kimber and Leo moved to West Plains, Missouri, where she experienced the happiest years of her life. They lived on acres of beautiful land and became a cherished part of their small-town community, building a boxing club for the youth. Kimber’s love for the outdoors was contagious, and she found peace in nature’s beauty, a reflection of the peace she brought to others. Kimber loved everyone she met and became fast friends with anyone who crossed her path. Her life was filled with love, and she made it a point to remind others of her affection. One memory cherished by all who knew her is her constant reminder to take care of her family—her father, her mother, her brothers, her sisters, and her friends. She was also known for thanking the significant others in her loved ones’ lives, expressing how deeply she appreciated the joy they brought to her family members.
Family meant everything to Kimber, and she was fiercely dedicated to them. She is survived by her partner, Leo Santoro; her father, Steve Toner; her mother, Paige Beazer; her stepmother, Jeanne Toner; her brothers, Kc Toner (Haley) and Topher Toner (Cami); her sisters, Andee Minkel (Cole), Shelby Rigg (Kole), Mekenzy Toner, and Malaina Toner; her nephew, Leander Toner; her nieces, Hadlee Toner, June Minkel, Eleanor Rigg, Hayden Toner, Taytum Toner, and baby girl Rigg; her grandmother, Diane Beazer; her grandfather, Harvey Gray (Marilyn) as well as many close friends and extended family members.
Though her time with us was far too short, Kimber lived each moment with passion. Her love for the outdoors, her animals, her family, and her community will forever be remembered. Kimber’s kindness, compassion, and unwavering love leave a lasting legacy that will continue to inspire all who knew her. Her light will forever shine in our hearts. May she rest in peace, surrounded by the beauty she adored.
A Celebration of Life will be held in her honor in West Plains, Missouri, on October 19, 2024, and in Salt Lake City, Utah, in early November. We will keep friends and family posted.
Arrangements under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Funeral services for Ryan Edwin Steinbruner, 34, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 10:00 a.m., Monday, October 7, 2024, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Mr. Steinbruner passed away at 2:02 p.m., Wednesday, October 2, 2024, at Ozarks Healthcare.
He was born August 3, 1990, at Monterey, California, to Edwin and Patti Nelson Steinbruner. On August 19, 2018, he was married at West Plains, Missouri, to Cassidy Eller. Ryan was a very devoted father and husband. The pride of his life was his wife and children. He was a very gifted musician. Ryan had a very unique sense of humor and enjoyed making people laugh. He was also a very direct and genuine person. He was a very devoted traditional Catholic.
He is survived by his wife, Cassidy Steinbruner; five children, Eleanor, Annabelle, Jack, Lily, and Stasia Steinbruner; his parents, Edwin and Patti Steinbruner; three sisters, Carissa Cardoza and husband, Lucas, Sara Skidmore and husband, Cory, and Erin Sims and husband, Dustin; several nieces and nephews; and beloved friends that he saw as family.
His grandparents preceded him in death.
Visitation will be prior to the service, from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m., Monday, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church. Burial will be at St. Joseph’s Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the family and may be left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 West Main, West Plains, MO 65775.
Graveside services for Vernie Lona Stein, 75, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 2:00 p.m., Friday, October 4, 2024, at Amy Cemetery, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Mrs. Stein passed away Monday, September 30, 2024, at Ozarks Medical Center.
She was born February 2, 1949, at Porum, Oklahoma, to Oscar and Ruby Hughes. On July 3, 2004, she was married at Theodosia, Missouri, to Paul Stein. Vernie enjoyed cross stitching and collecting sea shells and figurines. She loved her children and grandchildren and was a loving mother and devoted wife.
She is survived by her husband, Paul Stein; three children, Arnold Deatherage, Chris Stein and Steven Stein; fifteen grandchildren; four great-grandchildren and one sister, Patricia Hughes (Hale).
Her parents, one daughter, Melissa Baker and two brothers, John and Arnold Hughes, preceded her in death.
Memorial contributions may be made to Amy Cemetery and may be left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 West Main, West Plains, MO 65775.
Jill Ann Johnson, 66, West Plains, Missouri, passed away at 8:46 p.m., Friday, September 20, 2024, at her home.
She was born February 5, 1958, at Flint, Michigan, to Elmer Embury and Dorothy Alliene Rhoades Embury. On February 26, 1991, she was married at Cabool, Missouri, to George Johnson. Jill enjoyed doing crafts; she loved her husband and her entire family. Mrs. Johnson attended First Baptist Church. She had a close and sweet relationship with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ and it was her desire that everyone would know him.
She is survived by her husband, George Johnson; three brothers, David Embury and wife, Roxie, Larry Embury and wife, Peggy and Danny Embury and wife, Rita; four sisters, Karen Schwartz and husband, Larry, Nora Embury, Charlene Frost and Emmy Prewitt and husband, Victor; and many nieces and nephews.
Her parents and one brother-in-law, Jack Frost, preceded her in death.
Arrangements under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
